15 Ingenious Uses for Toothpaste

Aug 01, 2018

Good oral health is essential, and using the right toothpaste is vital to achieving that goal. Combining powerful, organic ingredients, quality toothpaste helps you brush away plaque and debris, keep your teeth clean, and maintain healthy gums.

However, did you know that toothpaste has far more uses than just for maintaining a bright, healthy smile? It’s true – below, we’ll introduce you to 15 ingenious uses for toothpaste that you may have never considered.

1. Cleaning and Improving Nail Health

How many times have you removed your nail polish, only to find that you need to go back over it a couple more times with nail polish remover and a cotton ball? Toothpaste can remove that residue quickly and easily. You’ll also find that it helps to improve nail health and thickness.

2. Treating Bruises

Bruises are the result of blunt force trauma to the body – broken capillaries release blood under the skin. They can be unsightly, though. The good news is that a 50/50 mixture of skin lotion and toothpaste, mixed together, applied to the bruise, and then covered with a band-aid, can reduce the appearance of the bruise. It may take two to three nights to handle large or very dark bruises.

3. Removing Gum from Your Hair

Most of us have known someone to whom this has happened, or it may have happened to us. Chewing gum in the hair is a recipe for disaster, but it doesn’t have to mean a trip to the beauty salon or barbershop. Simply spread toothpaste over the chewing gum and allow it to sit. Eventually, the toothpaste will break down the sugars in the gum and it will come out easily.

4. Getting Stains Out of Your Carpet

Red wine. Pets. Muddy shoes. They all do a number on your carpet. In the conventional situation, you’d spend time with a stain remover, or maybe break out the steam cleaner to get rid of those stains. Toothpaste can also do the job. You’ll need a tube of toothpaste and a good brush. Apply the toothpaste to the stain, and then scrub it clean. Blot it dry with a damp, clean cloth.

5. Removing Scuffs from Shoes

Have a pair of leather shoes that have gotten scuffed up? You might be able to handle it with shoe polish, but toothpaste can do it quicker, particularly if you don't really need the polishing. You just need to apply a dab of toothpaste to the scuff, and rub it in with a soft cloth. Use a damp cloth to wipe it off and you’re all done.

6. Cleaning Rubber Surfaces

Rubber surfaces, like the toes of certain sneakers, can become grimy, dirty and scuffed very easily. Often, soap and scrubbing will do nothing to remove those marks, either. Toothpaste applied directly to the dirt or scuff, and then rubbed in with a cloth and wiped off with a damp towel can do the job.

7. Polishing Diamond Jewelry

Over time, jewelry can become dirty and dull. Toothpaste can add a bit of sparkle back to your diamond wedding ring. It can also be used on gold and silver. Just apply a bit of toothpaste to an old toothbrush, and then scrub the jewelry in question. Wipe it all down with a damp cloth, and you’ll see renewed shine.

8. Keep Facemasks from Fogging

Whether your kids are playing in the pool, or you’re on your annual vacation at the beach, facemasks are vital to the fun. However, they can fog up very easily, making it tough to enjoy time in the water. Apply a thin film to the inside of the facemask or goggles, and then wipe it out, and you won’t have to worry about them fogging up.

9. Cleaning Chrome

Chrome is all around us today, particularly in our kitchens. However, it can become dulled over time, and through wear and tear. While there are chrome restoration products on the market, you can do the same thing with a bit of toothpaste. Apply a small amount of toothpaste to the chrome in question, and then buff it out with a soft, dry cloth. You’ll be surprised at how much shine is restored.

10. Cleaning the Bathroom Sink

That bathroom sink takes a beating every day. From toothbrushing to handwashing, it can quickly build up a layer of grime. Toothpaste, which should be the handiest product at the time, can be used to remove it. Just apply some to your wet sponge, and get to scrubbing. Rinse it out when you’re done.

11. Removing Lipstick or Ink Stains

How often have you stained something blotting your lipstick? How many times have you found that your favorite pen has leaked on your shirt? Whatever the situation, toothpaste can help. Use non-gel toothpaste, and rub it into the stain (you’ll need to use some force). Rinse it out. You should notice that some of the ink or lipstick came out when you rinsed. Repeat this process until the stain’s gone.

12. Treating Pimples

Pimples are the bane of our teenage years, but they can also plague us well into adulthood. There’s no reason to let a sudden whitehead ruin your day, though. Dab a small amount of toothpaste (non-whitening, non-gel) on the pimple and let it sit overnight. It’ll dry it up and dehydrate it.

13. Stop the Maddening Itch from Bug Bites

There’s nothing like spending time out in the backyard during the summer. There’s also nothing like being eaten alive by mosquitoes while doing so. While it won’t keep the bugs away, the good news is that toothpaste can stop the maddening itch. Just apply a small amount to the bite and let it sit.

14. Getting Crayon Off the Wall

Just a dab of toothpaste and a scrub brush should be able to get crayon marks off your walls. Use a little water to clean it up completely.

15. Stop Mirrors from Fogging

Tired of getting out of the shower and being unable to see yourself in the mirror to finish your hair? A bit of toothpaste smeared on the glass and then buffed out (before you fog it up) will help prevent your mirror from fogging.There you have them – 15 ingenious ways that toothpaste can benefit your life!